On January 13, 2024, the Kamigata Manzai Association held its 10th Annual Awards Ceremony at the Namba Grand Kagetsu theater in Osaka, coinciding with the celebration of comedian Nakayama Kausu's 60th anniversary in the entertainment industry. The event drew attention as the awards recognized outstanding young talent within the comedy scene, with the duo "Donuts Peanuts" taking home the prestigious Best Award.
During the ceremony, Kausu, who serves as the association's president, joked about the merits of luck and favoritism saying, "Is it possible some invisible force played a part? I might just change my stage name to 'Favoritism'!" His lighthearted remarks underscored the camaraderie among comedians, as he emphasized, "What’s important for comedians is connections, chance, and favoritism. We were just lucky, too." This reflective comment reveals Kausu's seasoned perspective on the ever-competitive world of comedy.
Donuts Peanuts, who were finalists among 46 nominated acts, expressed their gratitude by stating, "Being awarded on this special occasion is significant. We hope to work harder to live up to this honor.” They moved up from winning the Rookie of the Year award just two years earlier, showcasing their rapid ascension within the comedic ranks. Kausu, radiantly commenting on the awardees’ future, encouraged them to spread their wings across the country.
Among the event's honors, the duo "Reiwa Roman" received the Special Award and recently made history by winning the M-1 Grand Prix consecutively for the first time, displaying their dominance over the comedy scene. Kausu noted their progress, saying, "I watched you both this past year, and you've become crazy about comedy. Your practice footage was impressive!" Their goal of taking the main stage at NGK must be feeling increasingly achievable.
Reflecting on his storied career, Kausu, now 76, shared his thoughts on perseverance, humor, and the importance of mentorship. He reminisced how he made the move from the Seto Inland Sea to Osaka at the age of 15 to pursue his dream of becoming a comedian. "I want to provide everyone with great happiness and humor, and also some fun scandals," he quipped, indicating his intent to keep the laughter alive.
The celebration also highlighted the opening of the new "Shibuya Yoshimoto Manzai Theater" slated to open this spring, demonstrating Kausu’s commitment to the growth of Osaka's comedy culture. Kausu emphasized the need for support within the comedy community, and Yoshimoto’s president, Akihiko Okamoto, echoed these sentiments, stating, "I hope Mr. Kausu continues to thrive. The younger comedians must feel encouraged by your support and mentorship." This appeal reflects the collective effort to cultivate and inspire the next generation of talent.
Notably, young comedians such as "Jock Lock" claimed the Rookie Award, adding yet another layer to the night’s festivities. Various categories of recognition highlighted the thriving ecosystem within the industry, including Best Performance, which went to "Rani Nose," and the Trending Award received by the "Batteries," each representing distinct aspects of comedic excellence.
For the audience, the atmosphere was one of joy and expectation. A new segment titled "Total Coordination Department – Styling Pickup Image Change" had participants showcase fashion coordinated by their stylists, reminiscent of a fashion show, adding charm to the evening.
Kausu’s legacy looms large over the proceedings, as many of the comedians on stage paid homage to his transformative role within the Osaka comedy scene. His contributions shaped many careers, highlighting the intertwined nature of mentorship and comedic talent.
All performances and awards punctuated the event with enthusiasm as the hall reverberated with laughter, underscoring the celebratory mood of Nakayama Kausu's 60-year milestone and the awards ceremony’s recognition of fresh talent. Concluding the night, Kausu encouraged everyone to rally around supporting the newcomers, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual growth within this uniquely comedic community.